Self-efficacy and perfectionism as a function of resilient behaviour in dance students

Abstract

Self-efficacy and perfectionism are important variables in the high-performance discipline of dance. This study aims to analyze the relationship between these constructs and resilient behaviours in dance students. The research design was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 147 dance students who have studied for more than three years in public conservatories or private academies; 75.5% of whom were female, with a Mage = 28.34 (SD = 11.42). Resilient behaviours were assessed using the Resilience Scale, self-efficacy using the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and perfectionism using the short version of the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport During Competition. Our findings show that high-resilience students report significantly higher self- efficacy scores (t = 3.397, p = .001) than their low-resilience counter parts. No differences were reported between the high and low resilience groups on total perfectionism scores or the striving for perfection and negative reaction to imperfection subscales. The constructs of perfectionism, resilient behaviour and self-efficacy are important for the careers of dancers due to the role they play in motor execution and performance, along with their susceptibility to modification through intervention approaches. The findings are discussed concerning the significance of these constructs for dance pedagogy and teacher performance.